Monica Molenaar

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a mom of two who started a business after 40. I love to travel with my family and cook simple and delicious food. I care a lot about what I eat, and I’m passionate about being a part of the changing way we think about food.

What 3 words best describe your parenting experience to date?

Gratifying, loving, excruciating

What’s one of the hardest or most surprising things about being a parent that people wouldn’t expect or don’t usually talk about?

As a parent, your only real goal is (should be) to raise children to be independent adults who develop deep relationships and use their good judgement to make good life decisions for themselves, whatever that should mean for them. If you keep that goal in mind, it can be very helpful along the way. Parenting continually challenges you to decide when to stand your ground, when to compromise and when to give in. When it works, it’s beautiful.

What were some of your “wait...is this normal??” moments once you became a parent?

The moment I opened the door for my best friend, dressed only in a breast pump bustier and underwear, with bottles hanging from my breasts (or more accurately, teats) and tears streaming down my face, I thought, “WAIT, HOLD ON A SEC, is this NORMAL??????”

What’s one of your favorite parenting hacks that helps keep you sane (that other parents should know about and start doing ASAP)?

School bags MUST be packed the night before. Make fresh waffles in the morning (non-stick electric waffle maker), adding an extra egg and half almond flour to the waffle mix for some extra protein and to keep them fuller longer.